Question

When $ HCOOH $  reacts with concentrated  $ {H_2}S{O_4} $, produces:

A)  $ CO $ 

B)  $ C{O_2} $ 

C)  $ NO $ 

D)  $ N{O_2} $ 

Answer 1

Hint: Sulphuric acid  $ {H_2}S{O_4} $ is both an oxidizing agent as well as a dehydrating agent. Sulphuric acid is also known as vitriol. It is soluble in water.

Complete Answer:

Concentrated sulphuric acid is both an oxidizing agent as well as dehydrating agent. Hence it removes a water molecule as a dehydrating agent and another water molecule by oxidizing hydrogen. Hence we get $ CO $ .

Sulfuric acid reacts with formic acid to produce carbon monoxide and hydrate sulfuric acid. 

$ HCOOH + {H_2}S{O_4} \to CO + {H_2}S{O_4}.{H_2}O $ 

When  $ HCOOH $  (Formic acid) is reacted with concentrated  $ {H_2}S{O_4} $  (Sulphuric acid) then  $ CO $  (carbon monoxide) gas is evolved.

Reaction Involved:

$ HCOOH + {H_2}S{O_4} \to CO + {H_2}S{O_4}.{H_2}O $ 

Correct option is option (A).

Additional Information: 

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas which causes respiratory defects and exploration of these diseases can even cause death. So we should never smell the gas evolved during the reaction.

Note: 

Always keep in mind that Concentrated Sulphuric acid ( $ {H_2}S{O_4} $) can act both as an acid and as an oxidising agent.It gives a hydrogen ion to the halide ion to produce a hydrogen halide